Device and system for stabilizing movement between bony tissue and method for implanting

Abstract

A device and system for stabilizing movement between two or more vertebral bodies and methods for implanting. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide medical professionals the ability to selectively position and orient anchors in bony tissue and then attach a plate to the pre-positioned anchors. The plate assembly, once positioned on the anchors, prevents the anchors from backing out of the bony tissue.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]This disclosure relates generally to stabilizing movement between bony tissues within a body, and in particular to systems and methods for stabilizing movement between vertebral bodies. Even more particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for stabilizing movement between vertebral bodies in the cervical portion of the spine.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]In medical situations, it is sometimes necessary to limit or eliminate movement between bony tissues such as vertebral bodies, either temporarily or permanently. As an example, after an accident, it may be necessary to temporarily limit the movement of vertebrae to prevent possible damage to the spinal cord that could lead to paralysis. As another example, during treatment for a degenerative disk, permanent fusion of two or more adjacent vertebral bodies may be necessary to alleviate pain or preserve some functionality.[0003]Prior art systems generally ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices, systems and methods for stabilizing movement between bony tissues in a body, using fewer anchors, preventing screws from backing out, and causing less damage and stress to the body. One embodiment includes a plate assembly that allows medical professionals to implant anchors into the bony tissue and then attach the plate assembly to the anchors. In this embodiment, a plate assembly is configured to capture a portion of a first anchor on a first bony tissue and a portion of a second anchor located in a second bony tissue, and is further configured to prevent the first anchor from backing out of the first bony tissue and the second anchor from backing out of the second bony tissue. In some embodiments, the plate assembly is configured with an attachment feature such as a track. In some embodiments the plate has a first end with a recessed portion on a first edge shaped to receive the portion of the first anchor and a second end with a recessed portion on a second edge obverse from the first edge shaped to receive the portion of the second anchor, and the plate is configured to capture the first and second anchors in the recessed portions by rotating the plate assembly from a first orientation to a second orientation. In other embodiments, the present disclosure comprises a first plate configured for selected contact with a plurality of anchors and a second plate configured for selected contact with the plurality of anchors wherein the second plate is configured for secure connection to the first plate to capture the plurality of anchors. The first plate may connect to the second plate using a slidable connector, a rotatable connector, or a mated connector such as a ratcheting mechanism or a screw mechanism. In some embodiments, the first and second plates are configured with one or more recessed portions such as a plurality of notches or a groove, to capture one or more anchors. The recessed portions may have a layer with a desired friction coefficient for providing a desired range of movement. The plate assembly may be manufactured from biocompatible or resorbable material, and may further include a spacer for implantation between two vertebral bodies.

[0010]Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a method for stabilizing movement between bony tissue by implanting a first anchor in a selected location on a first bony tissue, implanting a second anchor in a selected location on a second bony tissue, and capturing a portion of the first anchor and a portion of the second anchor, by a plate assembly configured to capture the first anchor and the second anchor, wherein the plate assembly is further configured to prevent the first anchor from backing out of the first bony tissue and the second anchor from backing out of the second bony tissue. In some embodiments, a third anchor is implanted in a selected location on a third bony tissue or on the second bony tissue, and the first, second and third implanted anchors are captured by the plate assembly. Capturing the anchors may be done by engaging a first plate of the plate assembly to a second plate of the plate assembly, or by capturing a first anchor by an attachment feature and then capturing a second anchor by an attachment feature, such as by sliding a track, or by rotating the plate assembly to capture a first and second anchor. In some embodiments, the plate assembly is attached by first locating an attachment point relative to an anatomical landmark, or relative to a plane, such as midline

[0012]The present disclosure overcomes prior art devices and systems for stabilizing movement between bony tissue by preventing anchors from backing out of the plate assembly.

Problems solved by technology

However, these methods and systems are undesirable because of the obstacles to overcome when implanting the plate and the subsequent risk that screws holding the plate in place will back out.

A disadvantage with implanting prior art systems involves lining up the plate with the vertebral bodies.

This can make it difficult to ensure that the plate is aligned to the satisfaction of the surgeon.

Somewhat related to the problem of alignment is the difficulty of anchoring the plate in place.

The difficulty of anchoring the plate may be the result of at least two related problems: the use of multiple screws and positioning of the screws.

However, multiple screws may be undesirable or even contraindicated in certain situations.

Positioning the screws is difficult due to the lateral approach cited above, as well as the need for extensive retraction.

The difficulty lies when attempting to implant screws into the plate on the far lateral side of midline because of the retraction needed to access these areas.

However, it is common knowledge to medical professionals that reducing the stress or damage done to the body reduces healing time and the risk of other complications.

In addition to the stress or damage that retraction may cause to the body, retraction has other limits.

Surgeons implanting screws at points past midline are therefore restricted in how they can access these points, making the surgery more difficult.

Once a plate has been implanted into the body, there is also the concern that a screw will back out of the plate, resulting in a dangerous situation in which the plate might not be able to stabilize the movement, and the screw might damage internal organs or tissues.

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